What Does Ectopic Pregnancy Mean

Symptoms Of Ectopic Pregnancy

If you have an ectopic pregnancy, you might experience:

One-sided abdominal pain typically on one side of your abdomen , which can be persistent and severe.

Vaginal bleeding vaginal bleeding is a different type of bleeding from your regular period. It often starts and stops, and can be bright or dark red in colour. Some women mistake this bleeding for a regular period and do not realise they are pregnant.

Shoulder tip pain shoulder tip pain is felt where your shoulder ends and your arm begins. It is not known exactly why shoulder tip pain occurs, but it usually occurs when you are lying down and is a sign that the ectopic pregnancy is causing internal bleeding. The bleeding is thought to irritate the phrenic nerve, which is found in your diaphragm . The irritation to the phrenic nerve causes referred pain in the shoulder blade.

Bowel pain you may experience pain when passing urine or stools.

Diarrhoea and vomiting an ectopic pregnancy can cause similar symptoms to a gastrointestinal disease and is often associated with diarrhoea and vomiting.

Early Symptoms Of An Ectopic Pregnancy

At the beginning, pregnancy manifests itself like all the others: absence of menstruation, nausea and tension and discomfort in the breast. The pregnancy test will confirm the pregnancy, but as the embryo grows in an improper place the symptoms of ectopic pregnancy become more evident:

• mild vaginal bleeding
• some women also have shoulder pain
• urge to evacuate.

Risk Reduction For Ectopic Pregnancy

Many cases of ectopic pregnancy are caused by scarring of the fallopian tubes. Suggestions on how to reduce your risk of fallopian tube damage include:

• treating any pelvic infection promptly
• treating any sexually transmissible infection promptly
• avoiding STIs by always using a condom when having sex if the risk of an STI is at all possible.

Also Check: Getting Braces While Pregnant

Am I At Risk For An Ectopic Pregnancy

We dont always know the cause of ectopic pregnancy. But you may be more likely to have an ectopic pregnancy if you:

• have had an STD, pelvic inflammatory disease or endometriosis

• have already had an ectopic pregnancy

• have had pelvic or abdominal surgery

• are 35 or older

• smoke cigarettes

If you get pregnant after youve been sterilized or while you have an IUD, its more likely to be ectopic. But this is very rare, because these types of birth control are super effective at preventing pregnancy.

Sites Of Ectopic Pregnancy

Over 98% of ectopic pregnancies occur in some part of the fallopian tube. Very rarely, the egg may implant itself in the abdomen, ovary, or even a C-section scar.

If the egg isnt in the uterus, where does it go? More than 98% of ectopic pregnancies happen in some part of the fallopian tube including:

• Ampulla: the part that curves above the ovary
• Isthmus: bordering the ampulla
• Fimbria: finger-like projections at the end of the fallopian tube

Sometimes, the embryo ends up in a part of the fallopian tube that penetrates the muscular layer of the uterus, leading to interstitial or cornual ectopic pregnancy. Interstitial pregnancies are rare but riskier. In fact, their mortality rate is twice as much as any other fallopian tube ectopic pregnancy.

In very rare cases, an ectopic pregnancy may implant in locations outside the fallopian tubes, such as the abdomen, liver, spleen, cervix, ovary, or even a Cesarean section scar.2

Read Also: Nutraburst While Pregnant

Rectal Pressure Gas Pain Or Feeling Constipated

Sometimes the pain from an ectopic can be mistaken for gas pain or constipation. If internal bleeding has occurred, this can put pressure on the rectal area and can be mistaken for gas pain or constipation. If you are having severe gas pain during early pregnancy donât dismiss this. Call your doctor.

Causes And 7 Symptoms Of Ectopic Pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy, where the embryo grows outside the womb, is fatal and a primary cause of pregnancy-related deaths during the first trimester.1

Its no secret that pregnancy is a precious experience. Yet, like all things related to health, pregnancies can run into problems. Lets take it back to the basics. In a normal pregnancy, the egg is fertilized in the fallopian tube. Then, it travels down to the uterus and attaches to the lining of the uterus in a process called implantation. If the egg is blocked or slowed down, implantation can happen outside the uterus. The outcome is an ectopic pregnancy, a fatal complication for the mother and almost always death for the embryo. If youre planning on getting pregnant, its important to be aware of the causes and symptoms of ectopic pregnancy.

Don’t Miss: Braces While Pregnant

Discomfort When Going To The Toilet

You may have pain when going for a wee or poo. You may also have diarrhoea or constipation.

Some changes to your normal bladder and bowel patterns are normal during pregnancy. These symptoms can be caused by urinary tract infections and stomach bugs. But it’s still a good idea to get medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questionsexpand All

• What is ectopic pregnancy?

  An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg grows outside of the uterus. Almost all ectopic pregnanciesmore than 90%occur in a fallopian tube. As the pregnancy grows, it can cause the tube to burst . A rupture can cause major internal bleeding. This can be a life-threatening emergency that needs immediate surgery.

• What are the risk factors for ectopic pregnancy?

  The risk factors for ectopic pregnancy include the following:

• Previous ectopic pregnancy

Other factors that may increase a womans risk of ectopic pregnancy include:

• Cigarette smoking

• Age older than 35 years

• History of infertility

About one half of all women who have an ectopic pregnancy do not have known risk factors. Sexually active women should be alert to changes in their bodies, especially if they experience symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy.

At this stage, it may be hard to know if you are experiencing a typical pregnancy or an ectopic pregnancy. Abnormal bleeding and pelvic pain should be reported to your obstetriciangynecologist or other health care professional.

Don’t Miss: Does Donating Plasma Affect Fertility

Why An Ectopic Pregnancy Happens

Before you become pregnant, the ovary releases an egg. This egg travels down your fallopian tube towards the womb. It meets the sperm in the fallopian tube. This is where fertilisation happens.

The fertilised egg then moves down the fallopian tube to the womb. In a regular pregnancy the egg will implant in the womb, where the baby will grow.

In an ectopic pregnancy the fertilised egg implants outside the womb. In most ectopic pregnancies the egg implants in the fallopian tube.

In other cases the egg can implant in other locations outside the womb such as:

• your cervix
• your ovary
• inside your abdomen

What Are The Treatments For Ectopic Pregnancy

Treatment options for ectopic pregnancy include observation, laparoscopy, laparotomy, and medication. The selection of these options is individualized. Some ectopic pregnancies will resolve on their own without the need for any intervention, while others will need urgent surgery due to life-threatening bleeding. However, because of the risk of rupture and potentially dire consequences, most women with a diagnosed ectopic pregnancy are treated with medications or surgery.

For those who require intervention, the most common treatment is surgery. Two surgical options are available laparotomy and laparoscopy. Laparotomy is an open procedure whereby a transverse incision is made across the lower abdomen. Laparoscopy involves inserting viewing instruments into the pelvis through tiny incisions in the skin. For many surgeons and patients, laparoscopy is preferred over laparotomy because of the tiny incisions used and the speedy recovery afterward. Under optimal conditions, a small incision can be made in the Fallopian tube and the ectopic pregnancy removed, leaving the Fallopian tube intact. However, certain conditions make laparoscopy less effective or unavailable as an alternative. These include massive pelvic scar tissue and excessive blood in the abdomen or pelvis. In some instances, the location or extent of the damage may require the removal of a portion of the Fallopian tube, the entire tube, the ovary, and even the uterus.

Also Check: Can You Get Braces While Pregnant

Does Pain On One Side Always Mean Ectopic Pregnancy

You may experience tummy pain, typically low down on 1 side. It can develop suddenly or gradually, and may be persistent or come and go. Tummy pain can have lots of causes, including stomach bugs and trapped wind, so it doesnt necessarily mean you have an ectopic pregnancy.

What Is Ectopic Pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilized ovum implants outside of the uterus. Most often this occurs in one of the fallopian tubes but it can also happen on the cervix or elsewhere in the abdominal region. Ectopic pregnancies are not viable and can cause serious complications for pregnant women, including death.

Rates of incidence of ectopic pregnancies have increased steadily over the past 50 years to an estimated 1% to 2% of all pregnancies. This condition is a leading cause of serious pregnancy complications and is responsible for more than 75% of first-trimester maternal deaths. However, advances in diagnostic techniques and treatments have significantly improved outcomes.

You May Like: Is It Okay To Use Vagisil While Pregnant

Can A Damaged Fallopian Tube Cause An Ectopic Pregnancy

You may never know why you have an ectopic pregnancy. One cause could be a damaged fallopian tube. It could prevent the fertilized egg from getting into your uterus, leaving it to implant in the fallopian tube or somewhere else. But you are more likely to have an ectopic pregnancy if you have any of the following:

What Are 3 Causes Of An Ectopic Pregnancy

Also Check: Can You Use Vagisil During Pregnancy

Sudden Drop In Blood Pressure

A sudden drop in blood pressure, along with cold clammy skin and sweating, is a sign of the body going into shock due to heavy internal bleeding due to the rupture of the fallopian tube or wherever the embryo is latched. If this happens, the patient needs immediate medical attention.

Sharp pain in one side of the abdomen, shoulder pain, and suddenly falling blood pressure during pregnancy indicate a ruptured ectopic pregnancy. Seek your OB-GYNs help immediately.

What Else Should I Know

Any woman can have an ectopic pregnancy. But the risk is higher for women who are older than 35 and those who have had:

• PID
• surgery on a fallopian tube
• infertility problems or medicine to stimulate ovulation

Some birth control methods also can affect a woman’s risk of ectopic pregnancy. Those who become pregnant while using an intrauterine device might be more likely to have an ectopic pregnancy. Smoking and having multiple sexual partners also increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy.

You May Like: Vagisil Safe For Pregnancy

Causes Of Pregnancy Outside The Womb

Infection or inflammation of the fallopian tube can lead to partial or complete blockage.

Previous injury or surgery on the tube may hinder the movement of the egg.

Previous surgery in the pelvis or on tubes can cause adhesions.

Abnormal growth or birth defect can lead to tube defects.An IUD was used as a contraceptive method, and then a pregnancy occurred. The presence of this IUD in the womb could cause an ectopic pregnancy.

How Serious Is An Ectopic Pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency. The uterus is uniquely suited to hold a growing fetus. Its an organ that can stretch and expand as the fetus grows. Your fallopian tubes arent as flexible. They can burst as the fertilized egg develops. When this happens, you can experience large amounts of internal bleeding. This is life threatening. An ectopic pregnancy needs to be treated right away to avoid injury to the fallopian tube, other organs in the abdominal cavity, internal bleeding and death.

Recommended Reading: Vagisil Cream Pregnancy

Treatment For Ectopic Pregnancy

Sometimes, the best way forward can be to monitor the pregnancy closely. It may resolve on its own. In advanced stages, treatment options include surgery and chemotherapy. Several factors like the age of the embryo and the mothers health profile will determine whether surgery or chemotherapy is the way forward. Those looking at alternative health can treat ectopic pregnancy by balancing vata dosha with ayurvedic methods. While ectopic pregnancy is physically and mentally exhausting, it is possible to have a healthy pregnancy after an ectopic pregnancy.

References

Abdominal And Pelvic Pain

The initial symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy may be experienced by 6 weeks from your last period. A pregnancy test at home may not confirm the pregnancy. If the symptoms aggravate to one-sided abdominal pain, bloating, and vaginal bleeding or spotting, its essential to visit a doctor.

Pain in the lower abdomen or the pelvic area, especially on one side, is a symptom of ectopic pregnancy. The pain may be dull or sharp and will increase with movement, passing stool, or coughing anything that puts pressure on your abdomen. You may also experience a sense of bloating and heaviness when lying down. This is especially seen in women who have had a child before.9 If the area around the implantation ruptures, you would experience sharp pain and cramps.

Recommended Reading: Is Kinesio Tape Safe For Pregnancy

What Causes Ectopic Pregnancy

When a person becomes pregnant, the sperm and the egg, also known as an ovum, join in the fallopian tube, the tube that carries the ovum from the ovary to the uterus. Usually, the fertilized egg passes along the fallopian tube and into the uterus and implants into the lining of the uterus, known as the endometrium, where it will grow and develop.

Ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants and starts to grow outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube. This is often due to scarring from previous infections or other abnormalities in the tubeâs shape, for instance a birth defect.

As the ectopic pregnancy gets bigger, it can run out of space to grow and rupture the fallopian tube, causing severe pain and internal bleeding. Rarely, an ectopic pregnancy can also occur in other places, such as the ovary or inside the abdomen.

What Can I Eat To Increase My Hcg Levels

According to the HCG diet website, here are a list of the approved foods:

13.12.2017

Don’t Miss: Is It Safe To Use Vagisil Cream While Pregnant

Can I Get Pregnant Again After An Ectopic Pregnancy

Most people who have an ectopic pregnancy can have healthy pregnancies in the future, depending on the treatment you had and the condition of your fallopian tubes. If one of your fallopian tubes was removed or your tubes are scarred, it may be more difficult to get pregnant. If you have an ectopic pregnancy, youre more likely to get another one in the future.

Will An Ectopic Pregnancy Reduce My Chances Of Getting Pregnant

According to the NHS, most women get pregnant again, even with one fallopian tube. If you take 100 women whove had an ectopic pregnancy 60-70 percent of those women will be able to get pregnant again naturally, says Dr Jackie Ross. Fertility treatment is also an option for anyone who has suffered from an ectopic pregnancy.

Professor Dharani Hapangama, is consultant gynaecological surgeon at the University of Liverpool and researcher at womens health research charity Wellbeing of Women. She recommends mothers getting early scans for subsequent pregnancies: When they know they are pregnant, their location of pregnancy needs to be checked. This is usually around six weeks of pregnancy at a dedicated early pregnancy unit in the local hospital.

If one fallopian tube is removed and if the remaining tube is normal, the impact on fertility is not much. But the risk may be higher the next time so the location of pregnancy needs to be checked early in the pregnancy.

Also Check: Chemical Pregnancy Mayo Clinic

Diagnosing An Ectopic Pregnancy

If you suspect you may have an ectopic pregnancy, see your doctor immediately. Ectopic pregnancies cant be diagnosed from a physical exam. However, your doctor may still perform one to rule out other factors.

Another step to diagnosis is a transvaginal ultrasound. This involves inserting a special wand-like instrument into your vagina so that your doctor can see if a gestational sac is in the uterus.

Your doctor may also use a blood test to determine your levels of hCG and progesterone. These are hormones that are present during pregnancy. If these hormone levels start to decrease or stay the same over the course of a few days and a gestational sac isnt present in an ultrasound, the pregnancy is likely ectopic.

If youre having severe symptoms, such as significant pain or bleeding, there may not be enough time to complete all these steps. The fallopian tube could rupture in extreme cases, causing severe internal bleeding. Your doctor will then perform an emergency surgery to provide immediate treatment.

Ectopic Pregnancy: Sign Symptoms Causes And Treatment

Naturally, the fertilized egg makes its way to the uterus, where it implants in the lining of the uterus and the fetus continues to grow. But in the case of an ectopic pregnancy , the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, and 97 percent of cases of ectopic pregnancy occur in one of the fallopian tubes, although it can also occur in the cervix, on the ovary or In the stomach.

Here we healthy queries did a comprehensive study and bring up to you the causes of ectopic pregnancy, symptoms of ectopic pregnancy, how to diagnose ectopic pregnancy, and how to handle ectopic pregnancy and endoscopic surgery.

Also Check: Can You Get Lasik While Pregnant